After a cultural afternoon at Kensington Palace our little trio (Laura, myself and birthday girl Gaby) went out for dinner at Clarke’s in Kensington, a restaurant very special to Gaby as she need to come here often with her parents when she was a little girl.

I really liked Clarke’s with its fresh produce and fuss free approach to food. Everything we had was delicious and very well prepared.

Gaby chose the warm goat’s cheese with crispy crumbs on top, lettuce, chopped nuts and soft apricots to balance the flavour. Delicious!

Laura had the smoked salmon with pheasant egg, lettuce and sour cream. It looked great and was very fresh. 

I chose the San Daniele ham with figs and although this dish requires no cooking, the ingredients were exceptional. The figs were lovely and sweet, a far cry from what the supermarkets have to offer and the ham was delicious too.

Both Gaby and I had the beef tonnato; thinly sliced rare roast beef with the famous anchovy dressing and capers served with crispy chips and some lamb’s lettuce. I thoroughly enjoyed this dish and thought it was a great way to serve beef in the summer.

Laura had the duck leg which was melt-in-the-mouth fantastic and served with cabbage and cherries.

Although full we still ordered starters. Gaby’s deconstruced cannoli with noozy ricotta and strawberries was delightful and Laura got the most amazing cheese plate with oat cakes.

I went for the lightest of the puddings, a summer fruit jelly with cream on top and delicate cat’s tongue biscuits (and a piece of chocolate cake and a candle because Gaby told the kitchen it was my birthday and not hers. Luckily no one sang!).

I simply adore this place and can’t wait to go back after the big refurbishment. The restaurant will be closed for five weeks altogether, opening again in the beginning of September.

Clarke’s, 122 & 124 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BH